Recalling the moment when John Wick 4 star Donnie Yen got into his character, so much so, that he eventually ended up fracturing Mike Tyson’s finger. Appearing together alongside his idol Tyson, in Ip Man movies was a big deal for Yen. However, Yen’s admiration for Tyson did not stop him from accidentally injuring the boxer during a fight scene.
Building a career in the entertainment industry by reportedly proving his martial arts skills Donnie Yen secured his role in the Ip Man movies. Preparing for his role as Wing Chun master Ip Man, Yen mastered the Chinese martial arts and ended up fracturing Mike Tyson’s finger in a fight scene.
Donnie Yen Secured His Role As Ip Man
Donnie Yen, the 59-year-old martial artist and action director has been credited for bringing mixed martial arts into mainstream media. Known for choreographing several fight scenes and MMA in many of his own films since the early 2000s appeared as Ip Man in the Ip Man movies. Building a strong career based on his passion for martial arts, the actor secured big roles in movies like Rogue One and XXX: Return of Xander Cage.
Appearing in the martial arts blockbuster Ip Man was a big deal for Yen. Reportedly proving his skills in martial arts, the actor had to prepare for the role of Wing Chun master Ip Man. In order to embody the authenticity of the Chinese kung fu form, Yen prepared for three months for his role. Eventually appearing in the film alongside his idol Mike Tyson, Donnie Yen’s dream came true.
Also read: Ip Man 4 Has Been Boycotted In Hong Kong!
Donnie Yen Accidentally Broke Mike Tyson’s Finger
Despite being a massive fan of Mike Tyson, Donnie Yen allowed himself to get carried away with his passion for martial arts. In a scene where he had a face-off with property developer Mike Tyson, Yen accidentally broke the boxer’s finger. Appearing in the choreographed Wing Chun sequence with Mike Tyson, the Raging Fire actor was supposed to block the punches from Tyson. However, the 59-year-old evidently put a bit too much force into the movies and ended up injuring Tyson.
During an interview Yen revealed how he learned about the accident the next day when the boxer came to the set with a bandage around his finger. Breaking down the scene, Yen explained, “He’s coming at me with a flurry of punches. I was supposed to block all his punches with Wing Chun techniques.” However, he seemed to have gone too far with his actions. “Now, in the Wing Chun techniques, you use your elbow. So, I go at it, maybe have a little power behind it, and I guess I accidentally hit one of his fingers.” Yen confessed.
Nevertheless, the Ip Man movie turned out to be a super hit, and things eventually got sorted between the two men. Considering the fighting capabilities and backgrounds of both actors, we can simply say, there might be a hurt finger, but no hurt feelings.
Read more: John Wick 4: Laurence Fishburne Confirms That His Return And Praises The Sequel Script
Source: Looper
